Adela Zandar Clark, based in London, is shown in the picture with Paul Capper.

Photograph from rehearsal

Two members of the cast of the Benef*Actors theatre group seen in rehearsal for their production of “Death and the Maiden” at the Lagoa Auditório in November. The play, a psychological thriller, concerns the aftermath of a brutal dictatorship during which the central character, Paulina Salas, was tortured and raped in an attempt to solicit information from her. In the play, Paulina captures the man she believes was responsible for her suffering, a Dr Roberto Miranda. Does she want vengeance, a public confession or death of the Doctor? In her quest for closure she must fight not only to prove Miranda’s guilt but also to grapple with her husband, Gerardo Escobar. He, as leader of the newly created Commission to investigate the crimes of the previous regime, demands an end her to illegal act of kidnapping. Ariel Dorfman’s play is a fascinating polemic. Was Miranda guilty or just another victim? Who holds the moral high ground, Paulina or Gerardo?

The photo shows Adela Zander Clark, a multi-lingual, professional actress based in London, and Thomas Hartmann, a native of Holland, with extensive, professional theatrical experience. They play the roles of Paulina and Miranda. Paul Capper, well known for his roles with the Algarveans theatre group, takes on the role of Gerardo Escobar.

An initial Announcement

In November, this year, theatre audiences in the Algarve will be treated to a unique event. The Lagoa Auditorium presents the Ariel DORFMAN play “Death and the Maiden” which will be presented in both English and Portuguese, using two sets of cast members. The Portuguese title of the play is “A Morte e a Donzela”. John and Barbara MOUNTFORD who were responsible for the acclaimed performance of Nicky Moran’s play “Lights Out” at the Quinta do Paço in 2006 will produce this combined event. John MOUNTFORD will direct both the English and Portuguese casts. Noteworthy too is that all proceeds from this combined production will be donated to the local charity “Castelo de Sonhos” and for support of Portuguese cultural development. The combined production will join the efforts of the Portuguese theatre group “100 Palavras” and a newly formed group “Benef*Actors”; the latter headed by John and Barbara. The intention is that all proceeds from future Benef*Actors productions will be made available for other selected local charities. Those who enjoy movies might remember the Roman Polanski film version of the play starring Sigourney Weaver, Ben Kingsley and Stuart Wilson. In summary, it is a psychological thriller in which a woman, who was imprisoned, raped and tortured under the auspices of a military dictatorship, thinks she recognizes her chief interrogator as he visits her home. She ties him up and begins a psychological interrogation, trying to get him to admit his guilt. Her lawyer husband, recently named to head up a Commission to investigate crimes committed by the fascists, is trapped in a three-way polemic. If you love drama this is a must-see production.

English production:

16th November, 2007 at 20.30 hrs

18th November, 2007 at 16.00 hrs

Portuguese production:

17th November, 2007 at 21.30 hrs

To book tickets (10 euros) and/ or for more information, please call Hetty Baart on 916 350 182 or email to benef.actors.pt@gmail.com